MBtiles & Other Formats

OpenCPN supports the use of MBtiles (v5.0.0).

• VentureFuther Kap Files
• Weatherfax_pi Kap Files
• Photolayer Geotiff Files

Sat2Chart can make either KAPs or mbTiles. KAPs are a MapMedia format that's been around for years, and we've been using them since 2015. MbTiles are a newer database based format for storing map‑tiles. KAPs are limited to 128 separate colors, much like the old CompuServe GIFs. This turns out to be important when scrutinizing a coastline looking for minute differences in the shade of blue that might show an anchorage. MbTiles don't have a color limit, so the color quality is much better. And mbTiles have other advantages…

• Making MBTiles

• Use of Chart Groups and Chart files

• MBtile or Kap missing or hidden?: Zoom into the area of the tiles, they will appear. MBtiles and Kaps only show at certain scales, similar to charts. (You can also make mbtiles at different scales similar to charts).

• WxFax Satellite Overlay Sat Kaps using Weather_fax Wizard.

• Sat2Chart.V8.0.1.0 improved Google Earth to MBtiles support. Paul Higgins Website Creates charts from GE and chart images and SasPlanet. Can overlay opencpn chart and chart images including GeoTiff. New: Improved GE mbtiles support. CF threads about GE2KAP and Sat2Chart
• Chart Conversion Programs ImgKap, Google Earth, BSB, etc]]
• Use of Kap files, Jon Hacking This is a great instruction page.
• Making mbTiles, Jon Hacking More good instruction.

These are great MBtile Resources and we encourage others to add their mbtile downloads.

• Navigational KAPs
  • Japan, Maldives, Solomans, PNG, Palu, Micronesa, Indonesa, Phillipines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Maldives, BIOT
  • Navigational KAPS are navigational files in a MapMedia format that is usable by most navigation programs, like OpenCPN or MaxSea or Capt'n Navigator. These files have been made from Google Earth, typically at 7,200 feet (2200m) elevation, to get all the detail possible. Jon Hacking.
• The Chartlocker for MBTiles
  • Charts and website created by Bruce Balan & Alene D. Rice on s/v Migration.
  • Download Zip files of Country/Region and Areas around the world.
• Soggy Paws Satellite MBtiles
  • Red Sea, Papa New Guinea, Soloman Islands, Philipines and Eastern Indonesia, Micronesia (west of Marshalls, including Palau), Marshall Islands, Between Fiji and the Marshall Islands, Fiji, Tonga, Cook Islands, Society, San Blas
  • Also good Links to other GE Charts Sets at the bottom
    • Zen Again's Charts Pacific Ocean, SE Asia, Crossing to S Africa, S Atlantic, Brazil
    • Valhalla's Charts-Terry's Topics SE Asia and Western Pacific
    • Ocelot's Charts-Jon Hacking SE Asia, Western Pacific, and Indian Ocean
    • Migration's Charts-Bruce Balan Pacific Mexico, French Poly, Pitcairn Island, Easter Island mbtiles 2020
    • Jacaranda's Charts-Houlihans French Polynesia
  • SogggyPaws -Sherry McCampbell “WHY you want/need Satellite charts”:
    • SSCA Presentation on Navigation Alternatives
    • The charts aren't always right! The crew does not always have the right position.

SV Matilda - Using Kap Overlay Files